Plumeless Thistle
Carduus × orthocephalus
- Native to:
- Baltic States, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, NW. Balkan Pen.
Robert Flogaus-Faust
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Carduus
- Species:
- Carduus × orthocephalus
- USDA Symbol:
- CAOR8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Two-spotted bumble (Bombus bimaculatus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds (goldfinches seed)
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, disturbed habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Light aids germination. Seeds germinate readily in spring following cold winter conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI